UAE playing a key role in anti-piracy drive

In the past week, Dubai has played host to some 600 delegates from around the world, gathering to debate and strategise on the scourge of international piracy at sea. The history and geography of the UAE, at the focal point of trading routes between North and South, East and West, has long been familiar to the maritime criminals who commandeer ships and hold crew and cargo to ransom. It is, therefore, no surprise that the government of the UAE is taking a leading role in combating this scourge at sea.

The naval and logistical support of the UAE is being harnessed to provide a vanguard against the cut-throats and criminals who seize ships and their crews on the high seas. Together with the international community, the UAE is taking the fight to those who profiteer in their illegal and disdainful pursuit of piracy. The coastal territory and ports of part of the failed state of Somalia remain the pirates’ lair from where shipping in the waters off the Horn of Africa is terrorised. But international efforts, better shipping coordination, increased security on vessels and on-board anti-piracy methods are thwarting the gangs who would seek quick money from holding vessels.

Now, if Somali pirates are intent on taking a vessel, chances are they will be intercepted by the armada of international naval vessels policing these dangerous shipping routes. But while European nations may offer a softer hand in international waters to pirates, there should be no quarters given to these thugs — the strongest measures are necessary to send a strong message back to the Somali pirate masters that their days — and those of their underlings — are indeed numbered.

Removing the root cause of piracy is a long and arduous process — one that requires building anew the administrative and governmental structures of Somalia. That is worthy in the long term. In the short term, sharp action against pirates at sea and against their wharves and jetties in lawless coastal communities will deter and curtail piracy — and the sooner that happens the better.